Salvaging and safety device



Sept. 21 1926.

" G. G. LEMONS SALVAGING AND SAFETY bEvIcE Filed May 11', 1925v 2-Sheets-Sheet I INVENTOR George Gilford Lemons B M Patented Sept. 21, 1926.

GEORGE GILFORD LEMONS, F

FAIRBANKS, 'rnnnrronr or nLAsKA.

SALVAGING AND SAFETY DEVICE.

Application filed May 11, 1325. Serial No. 29, 58.

My invention relates to salvaging and safety devices for use in connection with submarines. The object of my invention is to provide means designed to be installed as regular equipment for submarines, by the use of which the probability of obtaining air for the rescue both ofthe vessel and the crew in case of sinking and inability to rise by the use of their own mechanisms is very largely increased. Y.

My invention contemplates the use of a float which in emergencies may be released to rise to the surface, which float carries a telephone by which communication may be had with the occupants of the sunken submarine and also carries means whereby power may be applied to raise the submarine to the surface.

The particular combinations of parts for which I ask a patent will be first described and then defined by the claims.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a characteristic embodiment of my invention.

Figure 1 is a general view of a sunken submarine and a vessel which is starting rescue proceedings by the use of my device.

Figure 2 is a vertical section through the float and its container, the same showing the operating parts of my invention.

Figure 3 is a detail showing the action of the cams employed for starting the float.

In installing my invention upon a vessel a round opening is formed in the deck and a container, 1, shaped like a deep tub, is secured beneath such opening so as to make a water-tight joint with the deck' This container is to be round in horizontal cross section and slightly tapering or coned. At the deck level a step or ledge 10 should be provided.

This well or container should be located over a heavy cross member or beam, as 11, forming a part frame of the vessel, to which beam the bottom of the well is fixed, as is also an eye 12, through which a heavy lift may safely be transmitted. To the eye 12 is fixed, as by a shackle 13, one end of a strong lifting cable 14, of such length asmay reasonably be expected to reach to the surface should the vessel be sunk. There is of course a practical limit to the length of cable which it is expedient to use.

Fitting snugly in the upper part of this well is a float or buoy limited depth as will leave a good sized of or securely fixed to the;

2. This is of such.

chamber in the lower part of the well 1, in which is contained the llOlSl} cable 14, a cable raising line 3 a telephone line l, both of a length substantially equivalent to the length of the hoist cable 14:.

The cable raising line 3 is kept coiled in a drum 30 and the telephone line 4: in a like drum 40, each provided with a vertical slot as 31 and ell, respectively, through which the lines pass. Both ofthese'lines are secured to the float orbuoy 2. The telephone cable passes to a small chamber 21 formed on the top of the float and normally secured water-tightly by a removable cap 22. In this chamber is designed to be placed asmall telephone set and instructions for arocedure. The telephone cable a passesfrom the drum 40 through the side wall. of the well or container 1, and to a telephone setlocated in the body of the hull.

A pipe 5 communicates with the line storage chamber of the Welland with the exterior, as at the deck. This is provided with a valve which normally is kept closed. A second pipe 6 containing a valve connects the interior of the well or container with the interior spaces of the submarine. This is normally kept open. A gage glass 7 exterior of the well or container, connects its upper and lower parts. A drain valve permits discharge from the gage glass while valves 71 permit disconnection from the well 1. Similarly a removable plug 51 permits. cleaning of the pipe 5.

Just below the floor of the float or buoy 2 are two or more shafts 8 on each of which are secured earns 80,. adapted when the shafts are turned to raise and unseat the float or buoy 2. A wheel or lever 81, secured tothe outer end of'each shaft, facilitates their operation. A gasket or ring 9 of rubber or'other suitable material is preferably placed beneath the flange 20 of the float, so as to maintain a water-tight joint.

if and when thought necessary or desirable I contemplate employing an electromagnet or magnets 25, placed in the storage chamber or cable locker and positioned I lease the buoy so it could rise to the surface.

When installed upon a submarine and it becomes necessary to release the buoy, the valve 50 is opened to thereby admit the sea water to the cable locker atthe bottom of well 1, thus neutralizing most of the pres sure holding the float upon its seat. Before doing this valve 60 is closed. To unseat the float or buoy, shafts 8 are turned to thereby start the movement of the float. By observation of the gage glass 'T it may be determined Whether the waterfills the well and what is its level.

It is proposed to install two such devices upon each submarine, one forward and one aft. More may be used if desired. More than two may be desirable upon large vessels.

hat I claim as my invention is:

1. A vessel salvaging and safety device comprising a float, a storage container for said float upwardly opening at the deck of the vessel, a line secured to said float and stored in said container beneath the float, and means for magnetically holding said float to prevent its being removed from said container.

2. A. vessel salvaging and safety device comprising a container built into the hull of a vessel and having an open upper end flush with the vessels deck, the upper part of said container being slightly coned, a float adapted to snugly fitthe mouth of sald container and having a flange overlapping the margin of the opening, a hoist line in thebottom of the container fixed to the vessel and to the float, a valve controlled pipe connecting the lower part of the container With the exterior at the deck, and cam shafts extending through the side Walls of the container and carrying cams adapted to engage I the bottom of the float to start seat.

3. A vessel salvaging; and safety device,

it fronr its comprising a container built into the vessel and having a valve control, a drainage" opening from the container having a valve controlling it, and a gage glass connecting the upper and lower parts of the container.

Signed at Fairbanks, Territory of, Alaska, I

this13th day of April, 1925. v

GEORGE GILFORD LEMONS. 

